When it comes to trimming your baby’s nails, you have a few options: You can use baby nail clippers; you can bite or peel them off; or you can file them with an emery board. Experiment and find what works for you! If you’re using clippers, make sure the bottom part of the clipper is underneath the nail, but that you’re not getting any skin. Getting your baby to remain still while you give her a manicure may be asking for the impossible. So do it while she’s sleeping, or ask someone else to hold her fingers steady as you cut or file. After a bath, her nails will be softer and may be easier to work with. If you accidentally nip her skin, stop any bleeding by pressing down with a sterile gauze pad.

Do not immerse your baby in water until his circumcision is completely healed.

While some doctors recommend applying a dab of petroleum jelly (or other ointment) and a gauze pad on the penis with each diaper change, others think it isn’t necessary. Follow your caregiver’s advice.

Gently clean the area around the circumcision with water (and change the dressing, if any) whenever your baby has a bowel movement and the penis area gets soiled.

You don’t need to clean it if your baby pees, since urine is sterile.

As the circumcision heals, it may ooze and develop a whitish or yellowish appearance. These are signs that the healing process is underway, so don’t panic.

CAUTION! If your baby has a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher, or you see redness or swelling in the circumcised area, he may have an infection. Consult your pediatrician immediately.